Daniel ORIAHI

About the Talent

Daniel Emeke Oriahi is a leading figure in the new generation of Nigerian filmmakers. An award-winning director, he is recognized for his distinctive cinematic universe, blending psychological tension, emotion, and a meticulously crafted visual aesthetic. He studied film direction (Motion Picture Production) at the National Film Institute of Nigeria.

His student short film, Waiting Lines, won the Best Student Short Film Award at the ION International Film Festival, while Birth received the Audience Award at the IN-SHORT Film Festival.

Daniel made his feature film debut with Misfit (2013), followed by national acclaim for Taxi Driver: Oko Ashewo (2015), one of Nollywood’s biggest box-office successes that year, selected for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). He later directed Sylvia (2018), distributed internationally on Netflix, and numerous television productions.

In 2024, his psychological thriller The Weekend premiered at the Tribeca Festival, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards and nominations. The film solidified his reputation as one of Africa’s most talented contemporary directors and has since been distributed globally. He also directed the second season of Netflix’s Blood Sisters (2026), further establishing his ability to craft emotionally intense performances with elegant, controlled direction.

His latest feature, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives (2026), a contemporary adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed novel, was selected for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Filmography

Feature Films (Director)

• The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives (2026)
• The Weekend (2024)
• A Ghetto Love Story (2024)
• Sylvia (2018)
• Taxi Driver: Oko Ashewo (2015)
• Misfit (2013)

Television & Series (Director)

• Blood Sisters – Season 2 (miniseries, 2026)
• Etiti (TV series, 2025)
• Afrocity (web series, 2020)
• My Name Is A-Zed (web series, 2020)
• Various TV movies and series for Africa Magic, Iroko TV, and EbonyLife

Short Films

• Waiting Lines (2009)
• Birth (2011)

Awards & Distinctions

• Best Student Short Film – Waiting Lines
• Audience Award – Birth
• Official Selection, Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) – Taxi Driver: Oko Ashewo
• World Premiere, Tribeca Festival – The Weekend (multiple awards and nominations)
• World Premiere, Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) – The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives